Questions surround a shooting that was prompted during an interrupted home invasion robbery.

While details remain fuzzy, police believe four thieves tried to break into a home around 9:50 p.m. on Monday in the 1400 block of West McHughes Avenue.

Violence broke out shortly after when the residents confronted the thieves and demanded they leave.

The homeowners chased the men out, but the men returned to the home.

Shots rang out nearly 40 minutes after the men broke into the home.

Homeowners in the area called police when gunfire echoed through the north Visalia neighborhood. Officers rushed to the scene.

Police arrived and found a 62-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Sgt. Damon Maurice said the man lived at the home.

The man was rushed to Kaweah Delta Medical Center and later transferred to Fresno's Community Regional Medical Center for trauma care.

The homeowner was shot "multiple" times, Sgt. Daniel Ford said. The victim's name hasn’t been released by police.

He is "listed in critical condition,” Ford said.

A witness to the burglary, who asked that her name not be published out of fear of retaliation, said four men broke into the home around 9:50 p.m. The men left with items from the home but later returned in a Honda sedan.

It's not known if the residents knew the thieves or the gunman.

The suspects managed to get away before officers arrived.

Visalia's Violent Crimes Unit detectives were called to investigate the near-deadly home invasion robbery.

Evidence was collected at the scene throughout the night to determine exactly what led to the shooting. No suspects were named and no description was given by police or witnesses.

"Officers are canvassing the neighborhood looking for witnesses," Maurice said. "We are still not sure what the motive was."

On Tuesday morning, crime scene tape remained tied to fences and littered on the street corner. Neighbors peered out their windows looking for any sign of activity. One man started his vehicle and said he slept through the commotion, not hearing any shots at all.

Residents near the scene may notice more police officers in the area while patrols are increased.

Monday night’s shooting was just a block west from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 6.

While the two aren’t connected, neighbors in the area believe following the April 6 shooting more homeowners are on edge. Another neighbor said homeowners in the area are “tired of being victims” and may be more willing to defend their homes and families — at any cost.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Visalia Police Department at 734-8117. An anonymous tip can be made online.